Analysis, Conclusions and Prospects Consolidated Report on the Symposium

Abstract

This chapter reports on the symposium on the gasification and liquefaction of coal. The chapter discusses the importance of coal in assuring energy supplies in Europe. The chapter discusses the future possibilities of coal conversion in the electricity production, space heating, transport, and chemical industry. The chapter also discusses the environmental effects of coal gasification and liquefaction. The coal conversion processes can be made more acceptable to the environment by taking some measures individually or in combination, such as: (1) installation of additional plants for the purification of waste gas and waste water or for recovery of residues; (2) increased efficiency resulting in more economical use of feedstock and in reduced emissions per unit of production; and (3) development of processes which, a priori , produced only small quantities of pollutants. The chapter also explains whether coal gasification or coal liquefaction should be prioritized.